Doug--I've owned the Custom 74 for 8 years now and agree with your sentiments. It's too narrow and light. I bought the Custom 823 two years ago and it fixed all those issues for me. It has been my favorite pen of my collection since. I hope you get the chance to try it someday.
@@InkquiringMinds the 823 and Ranga 3C are very similarly sized. I didn't buy the 74 because I got sick of the too small Sailor 1911S (S = small). I could only realistically use the 74 when I tried it out posted and holding it above the grip section to get as you say the flair.
Doug managed to convince me to pull the trigger on a bottle Kon Peki. It arrived last week and truly is a great ink. I have a pen that would dry out after 1 day no matter what ink I used or how many times I flushed it. I tried it with Kon Peki and it now works like a charm. It's the most expensive ink I currently have. But it did fix my flow problems with that pen!
1. Sorry to hear about the 74 being a flop. Have you tried out an 823? 2. It took me about a year to buy a 743, which retails at the same price as the 823. I'm glad to have the nib. The pen, however, I find completely underwhelming, leaving me cold. I seem to be immune to the delights of pricy plastic pens. Give me metal!
@@ichirofakename ..My lack of the common fascination with (or need for) flex means I’m spared the disappointments that many experience with modern fountain pens with nibs touted as flex or semi-flex etc… I have often wanted the 743 myself. But each time ended by buying a different Pilot pen instead. Or the Sailor 1911L which I like better.
I love your videos and your writing style is similar to mine. So far, if you love a pen, it works perfect for me. I almost bought a custom 74 and this video made me pause to reconsider.
I am so glad I came upon this review. The Custom 74 has been on my list to someday secure as my first gold nib pen. But no more after your review. I understand exactly what happened to you with the pen because the same thing happened to me with a Sheaffer VFM. I too thought my cursive had regressed and I could not longer write in cursive. It took me a while to realize it was the slimness of the nib and section that I just couldn't control.Thank you for honestly sharing your experience here on You Tube. It has saved me a costly mistake.
Love my pilot custom 74s for the slimness but I do have smaller hands,I also love my pilot custom 743 for the larger size as well which I got over the 823 as I much prefer converter pens,but it is not used as much as my 74 fine nib which is a everyday pen for me.
The 823 feels quite a bit less bouncy than the Custom 74, but the size of the nib is just so lovely. I'm able to see the writing better. Oddly I like it equally to the 74 because the weight of the 74 feels much nicer for my tiny weak hands. Honestly, if you hand me any Pilot gold nib with a ball clip, I'm happy as a clam. I adore them all, each and every one.
Glad to know I wasn't the only one underwhelmed by the Custom 74. The disappointment is palatable when a pen has been super-hyped, and you save your nickles to order one, but then it just doesn't meet expectations.I have two, with MU and SF nibs, and while I love the nibs - like you my penmanship suffers when I write with them. I do have an 823 (M) and 743 (SU), and suspect you'll find either more suitable as they accomodate larger hands very well.. I enjoy a good CI or SU nib, and the 743 stays inked with Kon-Peki or Take-Sumi for daily use. Thanks for always being genuine.
My daughter went to Japan and got me this pen as Christmas present with a Broad nib. Can't sell it, but I'll have the nib grind into an Architect. 🤷🏾♂️
This is why I enjoy your videos, Doug. You are honest and very real about your feelings. I am not interested in this pen. I have a few Pilot pens that I enjoy and this is one pen that didn’t call to me. Thank you for your video.
Have been watching your channel for nearly a year, and have enjoyed every episode.. A long time interest in fountain pens has drawn me to the wonderful insight and information you share. Please keep up the great work.
Doug: I continue to watch your channel, and it remains a highlight of the week. How do I send the monthly/yearly cost subscription to you? It's the least I can do for such valuable information. Jim
@@jamesohare4776 Thanks so much James! You can follow this link and click the JOIN button to select one of the two levels of membership! :) czcams.com/channels/bT6bph6TcR-6ByiXzU3RYg.htmljoin
I have a Custom 74. Interestingly mine is an opaque black which was not only cheaper than the demonstrators but is something I prefer. I have lots of demonstrators now and am into opaque pens at the moment. I don't know why only demonstrator 74s are available in the US but that nation does seem more demo-fixated than Europe. As for the pen itself, I have smaller hands and am able to control the pen well with either hand, if I use a light grip and try to exert minimum pressure on its "soft/medium" nib. I don't think it would be an EDC or quick note taker though. I get better results if I slow down, let gravity do the work and I suppose that it makes me more intentional when I use it. I prefer my Elite/E95S for its elegance, as that has more of a tactile beauty to its design than the 74, but both pens have their appeal.
@@InkquiringMinds The 823 is one model that seems to only be available in the same colours here as abroad - bland brown and sedentary smoke. Neither colour sets my world alight. I'm bound to eventually succumb and buy an 823 (pull the trigger, as the Americans would say) but I really don't need yet another pen with a ridiculous ink capacity that I'll never use (already owning 3 VAC-700Rs, dozens of other random TWSBIs and Chinese clones), in a colour that is at best uninspiring to me. However my willpower has been defeated before by the whole "I don't need it but I want it" thing, so time will tell.
I actually held this pen today but wasn’t ready to buy it yet at full price. So instead I bought a Pelikan M205 (pearl marbled 2021) that Appelboom in Boston had. Though the 74 still eludes me, I did add my first Pelikan to my collection.
@@InkquiringMinds It was a little smaller than I expected but they did a great job with what they have inside. And to see, in person, some of these pens that I’ve only seen online as I’m used to a small local pen shop was sweet. Mont Blancs, Pelikans, Momento Zeros, etc and of course the usual Kawecos and Pilots… whenever I’m in range again, I will definitely stop by.
I choose my pens by which ones you hate the grip on! I’m currently holding one of my 5 metropolitans, trying to feel the step down and I can’t 😂 must mean the custom 74 will be incoming, that blue is beautiful!! But there is a custom 823 in smoke already in my cart at Goulet!
I might be going around more Custom 74 videos, but all the suspicions and what I have in hand, two custom 74s, is only even more confirming, that Pilot made the Custom line to be flex for Japanese writing; when it upstrokes or side strokes, the tines are so tight it will cut flow entirely or something annoys the writer. I suspect that this will be the same for Custom 823s; Figboot/David had the problem, Pen Addict had the problem, SBREBrown had the problem, they tried to get it tuned or some other way. I find the 'Japanese flex' thing to stand out as it is for me as I use it to write Japanese, the bounce, really makes it fun to write like flex, but at so small scale only feasible for Asian character writing
I have the same issue during up strokes and side strokes , sometimes it skips writing during these strokes ,what should I do ,I got my pen yesterday with medium nib
@@asadjaved6633 the tines never loosen/open up even after over 10ml of ink/10x of refills, I had to suck it up b/c there's no warranty. people who use Pilot Custom gold nibs who say that they are writing 'without pressure' are total liars, as Pilot official marketing even mention 'tuning that suits ballpoint users' 🤣. I have several vintage Pilot Elites(oldest from 1972, 18k medium nib), and they exhibit similar writing characteristic. Pilot Prera/Kakuno/Metro would better fit the buttersmooth, weightless writing better.
Hi Doug, very interesting. This shows us that more expensive isn't always the best. However, that blue is so pretty. Oh well, at least you got a beautiful new pen case. The Rickshaw looks amazing. Now you can cart your pens around in safety in their plush new pouch. ps, I bought a second-hand Opus 88 demo on Friday. It's making its way to me; I am going to love it even though it takes half an hour to uncap it :) Thanks again for the video *smiles
@@InkquiringMinds Hi hopefully your Narwhal comes in soon because your experience with the Custom 74 wasn't as good. I am going to swap out my EF nib on the Opus 88 with a Goulet I have been hoarding :)
@@misswoodhouse5720 Cool! It will be at least a couple weeks on the Narwhal. In the meantime, my Laban Skeleton arrived today. Just in time for Hallowe'en! :)
I skipped the 74 and went straight to the 912 because of the size, glad I did. I had some minor baby's bottom issues with my 912 but it was easily resolved. The 912 fits my hand perfectly.
The nib has a bit less elasticity though, and the writing experience is slightly altered. The writing experience is slightly different between 912 and 742, due to just the variance in barrel shape.
@@ikarugaxx3749 Yes, the barrel of the 912 is thicker which increases your writing angle. Since this comment I have gotten a 742 as well. The nibs look identically shaped and the sections are interchangeable. The 912 feels "made for me", that may change after using the 742 more? I write with the 912 unposted and 742 posted, I like the added thickness of a posted 742. Both are excellent pens.
@@vigilante1202 Note that nibs can be swapped between the 2 pens, so if we find out we enjoy a nib with one body in particular we can have it. I only have a 742 till my 912 gets here, but a reviewer I trust said the former allows more expressive writing, the latter a more controlled one. Thank you.
Hello, i have a pelikan m200. I've noticed holding the pen farther from the nib section greatly improves my handwriting and and makes me less tired. Maybe that's what you need to do with pens that have short nibs. Of course it's better if you do so while the cap is posted.
I have a 74 in Merlot and had the same nib and ink issues. Once I put Tsuki-yo the issue resolved. I have really small hands so grip section works for me. I too, want an 823 but don’t want to drop that kind of money and not love it.
Surprised to know that this is your first ever Custom 74 and its review (and also the last one since you’re planning to part with it).. Thought every Fountain pen connoisseur would be owning this popular pen ‘by default’ 😃
I have 2 custom 74's... An ef and a medium. Pilot feeds are designed to use with pilot inks ... If you read the instructions for the Custom 823 it says you're only supposed to fill it from the bottle of ink it comes with (pilot blue) and not even a different sized pilot ink bottle🙄 The feeds on these pens are fairly fine, you can even use the notoriously dry Kyoto Tag inks with them.... But KWZ is the "Noodler's" of it's country. Some of them are fine, most of them are like syrup and super saturated which is fine... But I dedicate cheaper pens to my KWZ inks for that reason... I used walks over Vistula in my momento zero and I had to soak the mib unit in a vial of pen flush for two weeks to get it almost clean. You're milage may very but my first pilot was the ef 74 and it's the reason I have 6 pilot pens now and the cats eat better than I do. Sorry for the long rant... Another great video!
The 74 was my first gold nib and I so wanted to like it, but it didn't feel right in the hand. I sold it after a couple of weeks. I now have the wonderful Elite, two VP's, a Custom 92, a Prera, a Falcon and just this week I took the financial leap and bought an 823. I love all my Pilots, but the 823 is, together with the Elite and 92, in my top 5 pens list. Hopefully you'll have an 823 soon. I have the amber, and it is a lovely colour. Excellent video as ever
Thanks, Allan. It is comforting to know that others have had similar experiences. It is always tough to say negative things about something that SO many people love and adore. I am definitely on the hunt for an 823 if not an 845.
I had then same experience with this pen and felt the same way. Had high expectations but could not write with it like you. You said the same things I said to myself about the pen. I thought it was just me or a bad nib. Your experience was mine. I feel better now that you confirmed my experience. It is an awesome pen but not for my handwriting style.
I was watching thinking Doug shoulda bought an 823. Then I heard you jonesing for one. Did you ever watch Matt Armstrong’s review of the Custom 823? He loved the nib and so do I. I frankenfit my Custom 823 Pilot nib to an amber Moonman M800 and I have a Leonardo killer!
I'll go back and watch Matt's 823 review when my wallet fills up again! LOL! Did you just swap the 823 nib to the existing Moonman M800 nib and feed? Which Moonman M800 was it? The one with the Moonman nib or the Bock? They are different collars and feeds.
@@InkquiringMinds i think it was the Bock but am not sure. Will send a photo. Yes just pulled out the nib and feed and replaced with the Pilot nib. One thing about the 823 is that for me the section is a little short. I love the imitation Leonardo section on the Moonman so this way I get the sweet Pilot writing experience in a very comfortable pen. (Also the vac filler of the 823 broke probably because I took it apart one time too many;)
@@InkquiringMinds FWIW, custom 823 come up regularly second hand for $200, which is absolutely a bargain. I bough mine new for $230 on FP day when every store has 20% off.
How true it is that it’s all so subjective. I get writer’s cramp very easily- my mind thinks ahead 3x faster than I can write so when my hand instinctively tries to keep up, my hand starts to reflexively lock its grip to the point of cramping . So hand feel and grip has always been important to me . I’m glad to see this review, it’s also fascinating because like you I love my E95S and have been using it as my EDC pocket pen since getting it for my birthday last month (went through a full converter of ink very quickly, although that’s not surprising with a KON 40, LOL!). Side note, since you mentioned the Safari, I just ordered my first one (the LTD edition one for Susan G Komen) and got a 1.9mm stub replacement nib. I don’t know if it’s the feed, the size of the nib, or the Pilot cartridge that came with it, but that damn thing has the wetness and flow of a paintbrush that’s been in the sun all day. I really want to like it to play with some shading and sheening inks with some calligraphy, but damn it’s got a weak ink flow!
Hey Ryan! Thanks so much. Have you tried refilling a Pilot cartridge with a syringe in your e95s? That's what I do. I keep it inked with Kon-Peki and with the cartridge, it not only takes way more ink than the CON40, you can actually see the ink levels unlike the Con40!
@@InkquiringMinds that’s my next step; I didn’t have an empty Pilot cartridge, and really wanted to use up some pretty Levenger ink I had before “wasting”…I mean using up…. The black ink cartridge that came with it so I’d have an empty. I think I’m going to scour the web for a few empties to buy so I have spares.
Thanks Doug. Always appreciate your honesty in your reviews. So I think I had a visual hallucination- I thought you were doing the Narwhal Nautilus? Is that in the future?
I have a custom heritage 912 with a soft fine nib and I love it. I use it as my EDC pen. It has a sweet little bounce when writing and it performs well on crappy paper. I switch it with my lamy 2000. Both have been so awesome
The last pilotI I purchased (and probably last pilot period) I selected a custom 93 piston filler to avoid all pilot converters. It is a slightly smaller pen but has the same nib as the 74 and can be found at a lower price. I was slightly disappointed that you cannot remove the section for cleaning.
Thank you Doug for another amazing review. I'm sorry your experience with the pen hasn't been pleasant. I fully understand you when you talk about nibs sizes and grip sections; you see I've small hands and thus it's supposed to prefer small pens and small nibs, yet I rather prefer the contrary, big grip sections and long nibs allow me lower grip angles, a long distance between the point of the nib and my wrist that help me to have a less tiring writing session. Again... thank you and have a nice week.
That's an excellent explanation Guderina! Thanks. The distance between my grip and the end of the nib/angle to the page is very important for my writing and probably one of the main reasons this pen doesn't work for me.
Thank you very much for your informative video as usual. I think you are right. 74 years after the foundation of the company when Pilot introduced 74/742/743 to the market the idea of "Custom" meant what you have exactly experienced. There is no pen for everybody, but Pilot can offer a pen for everybody. That is the idea of 74/742/743 (with those variations of nibs). In my opinion though, the huge jump is in between the 30,000 Japanese Yen 743/823 and the 50,000 Japanese Yen 845. I would like to suggest you may want to choose to consider getting 845, skipping 823. Now if you really want to have 823, I would like to inform you not to try to disassemble the pen. Never. Trying to disassemble 823 is worth thousands of deaths. Also before you ink it up for the first time, you may want to take your time and think thoroughly. In Japan, some people use just only one ink rest of his/her life with 823. For the exactly the same price, you can buy 743 which is significantly easier for you to clean. While we all love piston fillers, one can argue that in the history of FPs, cartridge / converter system is the most advanced ink filling mechanism. One can also argue that the Con-70 is the best converter in the world, eh, once you know the "rhythm", that is you have to be able to fulfil the Con-70 within 5 pushes, you have to give a chance for ink to be inside of the converter... Having said that though, many people complain 743 looks and feels cheap for the price... They prefer the weight balance of 823 better. P. S. Pilot officially states that they cannot fix VINTAGE vac filler produced in 1960s etc. since they ran out of spare parts. That shows vac fillers are not really the best technology. Pilot can fix those vintage pens with rubber sucs... Yeah, yeah, yeah, who cares 50 years or whatever from now, but theoretically your grand grand children may be able to use Custom 845 but not necessarily 823.
Thank you, Dokugo, for the great information and tips. If and when I do an 823 review, I'll add a segment called "Dokugo's Guide for Disassembling the 823: DON'T". :)
@@InkquiringMinds Another tip.... While some people say PHYSICALLY, Con-70 fits into Pilot X, that does not mean it works as designed. Without the infamous Tip Fill Feed of Pilot, Con-70 cannot work as designed. You push the button rather quickly, then you let go the button, wait seconds to give a chance for the ink to be sucked up. If you cannot full fill Con-70 within 4 or maximum 5 pushes, the way you use the converter is wrong. But that can be said only when your FP comes with the infamous Tip Fill Feed of Pilot. The infamous Pilot's Tip Fill Feed is designed for CON-70, I mean the one you see the hole on the feed and you do not need to dip the whole nib into the ink to fill... (The breathing hole must be submerged into the ink, but not the entire nib). That feed of Pilot is one of the best, if not the best in the world. That feed allows CON-70 to suck up the ink at the ultra fast speed.
I'm a Pilot Fanboy! The Pilot pen I have I was a little disappointed in was my Pilot MYU 701. Short version is the steel integrated nib/grip is slick and I find myself trying to "pinch" it way too hard to hold onto it, and it's just not comfortable. That translucent blue you got (and that Brian has) isn't my favorite color, but that new Blue Stone release is whispering to me. Now if it would just whisper to my bank and tell them to put money into my account!
As long as I have my Pilot e95s I will never say bad things about Pilot as a pen making company. It is exquisite! I must say I love the look of the MYU701. It is disappointing to hear it isn't comfortable in your hand, much like my Custom 74.
I understand about the small nature of the 74. I have one but have found the Pilot Custom 845 and 912 pens to be better models for those who like bigger grip sections and nibs. My 74 came from Japan and it has a solid green color rather than the see through versions available elsewhere. Good luck on selling the 74 to finance the 823.
Interesting! I know there are different options in the Japanese market. That's why I'm hoping there might be a transparent blue 823 somewhere in Japan that has my name on it. My wife has taken a shine to the Custom 74, so I might have to save longer for the 823.
@@InkquiringMinds , there might be more 823 colors in Japan but they are well hidden for now. I might be unique as I have pens in different sizes and different nibs in my collection and can use them all with no noticeable difficulties. I do like the larger pens better. Be patient for the 823 and it might find you!
I have an 823, two as a matter of fact… ((both in “yucky” Smoke “Grey”)…. And I love them both. I went straight to the 823… it is perfect… weight, size, proportion, and that X factor that makes subjectivity more objective… for those of us that know what that X factor is… or that such pens so possessed of it exudes upon first “write” (and, uh, sight too). 823… the way to go….
@@InkquiringMinds please, please... should you make that discovery, share... share, share... because, like you and Brian G., I have wanted that blue but always thought the 74 was a bit on the small size (although, I do own two Pilot Lucina's which I love... and they are definitely small but are excellent writers)... so, again, should you unearth this elusive "blue 823"... sound the klaxons!!!
Thank you, Mr.Doug. I have been trying to decide weather or not to get the bright blue or the blue stone but thanks to this review, i think it only makes sense to get the light blue seeing as to how the light blue one has a very nice shimmer in well lit enviorments as well as dimly lit areas. its very butifll and because my favorite color is blue, The decision had innitially been difficult becasues there were two very nices shades of blue as well as an equaly desirable transperant demonstrator. alll very nice pens but i think i will get the light blue one in the medium nib as well within the next week. I am not enirly sure but i hvae also hear the the goulet pen company's shipping is around 1-2 buisness days. Thanks again for the review.
The CON-70 has been redesigned and now requires a slower, smoother pressing motion, not the original "bam" motion. It is easier to fill. Brian Goulet also did a video on the newer CON-70. You can tell old from new because there are some grooves in the black button on the newer one. It seems odd since this was a new purchase, but it looks like you got an older converter...perhaps that's because you got an older color pen that was still in inventory. A newer color like Bluestone or Forest Green probably comes with the new CON -70 converter. I know this wasn't your main gripe with the pen, but your information is old. I have several CON-70s and they can be filled and cleaned with a syringe as well. My Pilot 823 is one of my best pens and I do think you will like it. (And by the way, fat jokes are not necessary to make your point.)
I linked both of Brian's videos on the Con70 new and old in my video description. It isn't odd that I have one of the old ones on a new purchase. In Brian's video on the new Con70, he mentions it will take several months if not years to get through to the new stock.
professor, although i have watched this video before but somehow i missed the word ''rickshaw''. however, you`d be amazed to know that in bangladesh and in some asian countries they have these three wheeler rides called rickshaw. i live in bangladesh, and rickshaw is our primary choice to travel to a short or a medium distance. especially on a rainy day, couples married/ unmarried both prefer rickshaw to take a ride and unravel the mysteries of their universe. please look it up! regards.
Thank you so much, Abid Z.! Yes, I'm fully aware of what a rickshaw is, thank you. The rickshaw mentioned in my video is the brandname of "Rickshaw Bagworks". They make pen sleeves as well as other bags for laptops, pouches, wallets, bike bags, backpacks, messenger bags and totes. www.rickshawbags.com/
Are you just a blue ink kinda guy? Like Is that the only color ink you tend to go with or were you just keeping with blue inks to match that beautiful blue pen that you acquired. Oh and thank you for your review on the Monza 3. I almost bought two, one for my wife and I each but after watching your review of it we changed our minds and decided to go with the diplomat magnum
Sir, your way of presentation is really awesome. I just couldn't hold my laugh when you added a short clip to represent Con 40 converter.. hahahahaha.... Your short clip videos really matches with the current presentation of the video.. Hope to always learn from you sir. Keep yourself healthy, happy and safe. Warm regards, With love and care, Vivek Kumar ( Dehri On Sone, Bihar , India ) ( Dehri On Sone is a small town in Bihar state of India. )
I agree with you in that it’s very light and slim. However maybe bc of its nib (SF) and its price it’s my most used pen. I rarely have it uninked… bring it to work without hesitation either. I do wish all the colours would come with all the nib sizes.
@20:45 hmm, this was very interesting to me…… I have a Japan import clear Pilot Custom 823 ‘WA’ nib. I got some KWZ Hawaii Blue and absolutely loved it, however I did get some skipping and I just put it down to the nib and paper. Whilst it was better on tomoe river, it was still there. I then used Kon Peki and now I’m using Pilot Blue and it is fine. No issues at all. So maybe my issue was also down to the KWZ and the pen/feed/nib just not liking it. Very weird. 🤔 Anyway, thanks for another great video 🙂👍🏻 I’m not surprised you don’t like it if you can’t use your favourite ink with it too. I don’t like skinny pens either. I find the thin metal grip section of the TWSBI 580 AL so annoying I want to throw it out the window.
I bet(& hope) the 823 will be the pen that makes you happy! Looking forward to seeing you try it out! BTW, there's also the Custom Heritage 92 -- which is available in one of these b'ful translucent blues!
Love this review. I have several Metro’s F, M, 1.0 used as utilitarian work pens on copy paper. Interesting that I bought two, received two free (two retailers sent replacements for incorrect items and told me to keep the incorrect pen), and I was gifted one. They are not favorites and when I am writing longer sessions I always reach for other pens. (My Kaweco Sport is similar in use to the Metro’s, always in my shirt pocket for quick notes, but no other uses). I am staying away from the 823 because I personally do not like the vac filler system. And to prove my strange creds, I prefer low capacity converters because I really like to change ink frequently. Seems I will never be able to refill my TWSBI-Eco, it never runs out of ink. Keep up the reviews and best wishes.
Review well done but honestly I won't be a repeated viewer. Not any fault on your part. It's just that it looks like your grip is completely different for mine. I actually like the grip of the metropolitan, the custom 74 and the lamy safari. They are comfortable in my hand and I don't like larger pen.
Doug I too am not so much of a fan of the con70 Id almost rather have the con 40 just in case i put an ink in the pen that doesnt want to come out which is sometimes my case and i can just twist the converter instead of making a mess all over the place or using a syringe to fill the con 70 or con 40 :)
Oh, the 823. I like everything about this pen - size, piston filler, looks, proportions... Except, like 74 for you it just does not work for me. I experience the same deterioration in quality of my handwriting (not that it was good to begin with...). And then of course it comes back into norm immediately with a Leonardo or a Pelikan... So this whole review is very, VERY relatable. And as much as I sincerely hope the 823 works for you Doug, you may be up to another bumpy ride. In any case thanks for the review, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I don’t need no stinkin’ bahges from a crazy reviewer who doesn’t fall in love with a Custom 74. (Actually, that would be cool.) I understand the grip thing; I’ve come to prefer pens with girthier sections, and the 74 is a slim pen. However, I’d like to point out that your daily carry is a very thin WingSung Flighter. As to your penmanship, the Custom 823 is a little smoother still than the 74, so your handwriting may not look any better with it. Sorry to bust your bubble, but I think you’ve become accustomed to steel italic and architect nibs.
This is all very true Oscar. But, I point out, that the Wing Sung 601 Flighter, like the Pilot e95s I love so much, are both LONG tapering sections that have no bumps or threads. And I can grip the pen very high and spread out so there is a long distance between the nib touching the page and my grip. Which I find very comfortable. I think it is fascinating what works and what doesn't work. And I think you are correct about my love of architect and mini-fude nibs (my WS601 Flighter has a mini-fude bent nib).
@@InkquiringMinds, I wholeheartedly agree that grip and comfort are perhaps as important as any other aspect of the pen. I, too, prefer to hold my pens a little away from the nib, and I also prefer stub, italic, and architect nibs. But that 823… oh my god!
Cap diameter: 0 - 14.7; Barrel: 12-0. Section: 10.2-9.8-11. Those are 3 puzzles to me, the variation between 0 and a >0 value, and 3 values for the section...
Love the quote! H.L. Menken is one of my all-time favorite curmudgeons! Well done! Sorry about your experience with the 74, though. You can't win them all!
Wondering if you have ever discussed "nib creep" in a video. Or do you just change out the ink. It seems that certain inks have more "nib creep" Is this normal and just something that fountain pen enthusiasts just accept or even enjoy. Would love your thoughts
I have not discussed it in a video. I've only experienced it with very saturated inks like Noodlers North American Violet and Diamine Ancient Copper. Some nibs have a tendency to shed ink to the top of the nib and some don't. It isn't something I've been able to pin down.
Unfortunately, I don't own either of the Pelikan M200/M205 pens I reviewed. However, the Custom 74 is a very different pen. The Pelikans are piston fillers and a lot smaller than the Custom 74. Not to mention the steel vs gold nibs.
Really appreciate your content (and, as a fellow musician, the guitar intros.) What is that lovely ink that you use for your Inkquiring Minds title page please ? There's something special about it.
Doug , 2 things! I have several Pilots, Metro, 74, Falcon metal, and 823, and totally 100% agree with you on writing experience on Metro and 74, but neither like you wow me or are my picks to use. The 823 and metal Falcon are about perfect tho really like using both, and damm you I am ordering am E-95 or Elite whatever now I have heard you say you like it way too many times now. Also on mobile version on iphone I am still not seeing a subscription button/icon/link, do I need to be logged into desktop version? Or I have an ad blocker if others are seeing it on iPhone then that msg be it, do you know?
Thanks, Jim. The e95s/Elite is a very light/slim pen. But the smooth, tapering grip allows you to hold it anywhere and the inlaid gold nib is to die for! Here is a link to the Join Channel I hope will work for you: czcams.com/channels/bT6bph6TcR-6ByiXzU3RYg.htmljoin
This is my third time writing this. I presume my internet links that I included cause the comment not to register so I will exclude those. Doug I suggest for the 823 you go for the "God" version. Online order an 823 with the No. 15 FA Falcon nib from Tokyo Pen Quill Shop. This is the only way to get the 823 with a FA nib installed. Then order a 743 ebonite feed (either two or three slot, red or black) from Flexible Nib Factory so that the feed can supply enough ink to the nib (plastic feed that comes with it doesn't really cut it). Enjoy pen nirvana. Azizah of Gourmet Pens has a YT video on the 823 with FA nib but with the plastic feed, she ordered the FNF feed afterwards.
Sorry about the comments not showing. These have! I'd be happy with a down-to-earth Pilot 823 I think! The God version sounds out of my price range. Azizah and Stephen get a lot of pens for free that people like me can't afford.
@@InkquiringMindsI kind of wish that I got the FA nib for my 823, I got a 912 FA afterwards for drawing and it is actually great for everyday writing too. It is kind of between an F and M when no flex is applied. It isn't too soft either and I haven't had any issues with the stock feed. It is very different to the falcon nib.
@@InkquiringMinds I hear you. BUT as one who paid the full price for this pen I suggest not buying an additional bunch of Chinese pens and put that money towards the "God" 823, you won't regret it. I can pick it up and edit a document with it without applying any pressure and it is amazing as a fine pen. Write a letter to someone and apply pressure here and there and it is an amazing flex writer. I never knew my handwriting could look so good. Sure it's a crapshoot as to whether it will work for you, but that is life in a nutshell. YMMV.
@@thm655321 Interesting. But I do two videos a week and the pens have to keep coming. LOL I'll keep your advice in mind though for my own personal pen journey.
The Aerometric Pilot Converter has been in each of my dozen Pilot Metros. Actually, of Pilot products, those pens and converters are my favorite. I have been underwhelmed by custom 74, 912, VP, 823...basically anything beyond base models. Not a huge fan.
Colored demonstrator pens are my weakness, i love the clear blue and I have a noodlers Creeper in hudson bay blue plus a cheap no name pen I brought from aliexpress (plus other in different colors, like my Ahab in King Philip purple) when I was just getting into the hobby a few years ago. Though the price hits my budget conscious mind, I hope to take the plunge one day and spend more than $30 cad on a pen. Funny story, I brought a pilot converter for my *platinum* curidas pen. I had recieved the converter already when I noticed the difference, I gave in and brought a pilot kakuno, great pen, but small for my hand. I need to ask, do you have regular sized hands, I cannot look at reviews and expect it'll look just like that if I get it. My ring size is a whopping 11. You bet I don't visit the jewellery section of the store. Update, I put a dang ruler next to my hand, and this pen is small for me. I need at least five inches (that's what she said) unposted for a pen to feel kinda comfortable writing. /sigh the search continues.
You should look into the various models of Penbbs. There are lots of clear, coloured demonstrators along with some amazing semi-transparent acrylics. Perhaps you've heard of the joke where a woman told a man that she couldn't date a guy unless he had 8". To which he replied, "Okay. I've been to the doctor and he says I can have 2" removed". :)
@@InkquiringMinds pft good one I have checked penbbs!! I even have a few in my cart I'm just slowly saving up and building up my courage to get one or two or maybe more!!!
Looks like you got a fair amount of silicone in the converter when lubricating the plunger, does that affect the ink in any significant way? I would have assumed it would but I have not experimented myself (you might say I'm extraordinarily careful with my silicone grease around pens because I'm told it's a Very Bad Thing to get anywhere near the nib, but I do not know why exactly, that could be some vintage pen thing).
The silcone isn't anywhere near the nib or feed. I've put silicone grease into many converters, vacuum fillers and piston fillers with no issues. Silcone grease on a feed is a completely different thing and should be avoided.
@@InkquiringMinds Thank you for the reply. I won't worry so much now, I was previously so nervous about it I would rarely use it unless I could be 1000% sure it wouldn't get into the ink.
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks, this is my only issue with Pilot / Namiki brands. Most brands use one type of converter across all models. And some use standard types interchangeable with other brands and models. By the way, didn't think it would but was hoping maybe it would.
You are right about 823, it is the best pen. I have three, the ugly brown and smoke you mentioned and I ordered the clear demonstrator model from Japan. Check eBay…Fantastic.
Sorry that we picked such a loser. The brown 823 might not be so bad. I ordered a brown Wing Sung 699 from Canadian Amazon because it was shipped from the US. It was about the same price as ordering from China and it got to Ontario in a week. I really don't like brown. After all, it is the colour of... well you know. I like it on this pen. It's a classy look with the gold. Order from somewhere where you can easily return or exchange. Send it back if you hate it. That's what I was thinking when I ordered the Wing Sung. If you took a vote, I bet everyone would agree.
Doug--I've owned the Custom 74 for 8 years now and agree with your sentiments. It's too narrow and light. I bought the Custom 823 two years ago and it fixed all those issues for me. It has been my favorite pen of my collection since. I hope you get the chance to try it someday.
I'm glad to hear this, Jonah. It kinda confirms my suspicions about the 823.
@@InkquiringMinds the 823 and Ranga 3C are very similarly sized. I didn't buy the 74 because I got sick of the too small Sailor 1911S (S = small). I could only realistically use the 74 when I tried it out posted and holding it above the grip section to get as you say the flair.
@@andycromwell8229 I found the Jinhao 82 with a Bock #5 a good 'small' pen ala Sailor terrific.
Doug managed to convince me to pull the trigger on a bottle Kon Peki. It arrived last week and truly is a great ink. I have a pen that would dry out after 1 day no matter what ink I used or how many times I flushed it. I tried it with Kon Peki and it now works like a charm. It's the most expensive ink I currently have. But it did fix my flow problems with that pen!
Good choice!
Do you have ol' pilot blue black ink?
Love my pilot custom 74 as well as my custom 823. Just love pilot pens overall.
I just got my smoke 823 and when filled with kon peki you can see the blue tint through the smoke, and it looks divine
1. Sorry to hear about the 74 being a flop. Have you tried out an 823?
2. It took me about a year to buy a 743, which retails at the same price as the 823. I'm glad to have the nib. The pen, however, I find completely underwhelming, leaving me cold. I seem to be immune to the delights of pricy plastic pens. Give me metal!
I have not had an 823 in my hand but I expect it feels just like a Wing Sung 699 except for the nib.
Keep the Pilot Justus 95 under consideration. It’s a great, differently great alternative to the 823.
I have since warmed to my 743. Once I quit chasing the flex dragon, I was able to recognize this pen as wonderful anyway.
@@ichirofakename ..My lack of the common fascination with (or need for) flex means I’m spared the disappointments that many experience with modern fountain pens with nibs touted as flex or semi-flex etc…
I have often wanted the 743 myself. But each time ended by buying a different Pilot pen instead. Or the Sailor 1911L which I like better.
@@sajjadhusain4146 Nothing wrong with Sailors. My favorite brand.
I love your videos and your writing style is similar to mine. So far, if you love a pen, it works perfect for me. I almost bought a custom 74 and this video made me pause to reconsider.
Thanks for sharing!!
I am so glad I came upon this review. The Custom 74 has been on my list to someday secure as my first gold nib pen. But no more after your review. I understand exactly what happened to you with the pen because the same thing happened to me with a Sheaffer VFM. I too thought my cursive had regressed and I could not longer write in cursive. It took me a while to realize it was the slimness of the nib and section that I just couldn't control.Thank you for honestly sharing your experience here on You Tube. It has saved me a costly mistake.
Thank you so much, Sonya!
Regarding the KWZ ink - Konrad, owner of KWZ mentioned that is perfectly fine to water the ink down with distilled water. You can try that.
Yes, indeed! This is the only time I've had an issue with it. And, as I said, Winn and I use it a lot so I had to buy a second bottle already!
He recommended to add 10% of water.
Love my pilot custom 74s for the slimness but I do have smaller hands,I also love my pilot custom 743 for the larger size as well which I got over the 823 as I much prefer converter pens,but it is not used as much as my 74 fine nib which is a everyday pen for me.
The 823 feels quite a bit less bouncy than the Custom 74, but the size of the nib is just so lovely. I'm able to see the writing better. Oddly I like it equally to the 74 because the weight of the 74 feels much nicer for my tiny weak hands. Honestly, if you hand me any Pilot gold nib with a ball clip, I'm happy as a clam. I adore them all, each and every one.
Glad to know I wasn't the only one underwhelmed by the Custom 74. The disappointment is palatable when a pen has been super-hyped, and you save your nickles to order one, but then it just doesn't meet expectations.I have two, with MU and SF nibs, and while I love the nibs - like you my penmanship suffers when I write with them. I do have an 823 (M) and 743 (SU), and suspect you'll find either more suitable as they accomodate larger hands very well.. I enjoy a good CI or SU nib, and the 743 stays inked with Kon-Peki or Take-Sumi for daily use. Thanks for always being genuine.
Thank you taiko! It is much appreciated!
My daughter went to Japan and got me this pen as Christmas present with a Broad nib.
Can't sell it, but I'll have the nib grind into an Architect. 🤷🏾♂️
Excellent. According to my nib guru, Jack, starting with a broad nib is best for an architect grind.
This is why I enjoy your videos, Doug. You are honest and very real about your feelings. I am not interested in this pen. I have a few Pilot pens that I enjoy and this is one pen that didn’t call to me. Thank you for your video.
I appreciate that, Marianne! Thank you!
Have been watching your channel for nearly a year, and have enjoyed every episode.. A long time interest in fountain pens has drawn me to the wonderful insight and information you share. Please keep up the great work.
Thank you so much, James!
Doug: I continue to watch your channel, and it remains a highlight of the week. How do I send the monthly/yearly cost subscription to you? It's the least I can do for such valuable information. Jim
@@jamesohare4776 Thanks so much James! You can follow this link and click the JOIN button to select one of the two levels of membership! :) czcams.com/channels/bT6bph6TcR-6ByiXzU3RYg.htmljoin
Very Good English handwriting!👍i got a pilot custom 74 too,man .good luck!
Thanks a lot!
I have a Custom 74. Interestingly mine is an opaque black which was not only cheaper than the demonstrators but is something I prefer. I have lots of demonstrators now and am into opaque pens at the moment. I don't know why only demonstrator 74s are available in the US but that nation does seem more demo-fixated than Europe. As for the pen itself, I have smaller hands and am able to control the pen well with either hand, if I use a light grip and try to exert minimum pressure on its "soft/medium" nib. I don't think it would be an EDC or quick note taker though. I get better results if I slow down, let gravity do the work and I suppose that it makes me more intentional when I use it. I prefer my Elite/E95S for its elegance, as that has more of a tactile beauty to its design than the 74, but both pens have their appeal.
I keep watching Japanese sellers on eBay and Amazon for a transparent blue 823.
@@InkquiringMinds The 823 is one model that seems to only be available in the same colours here as abroad - bland brown and sedentary smoke. Neither colour sets my world alight. I'm bound to eventually succumb and buy an 823 (pull the trigger, as the Americans would say) but I really don't need yet another pen with a ridiculous ink capacity that I'll never use (already owning 3 VAC-700Rs, dozens of other random TWSBIs and Chinese clones), in a colour that is at best uninspiring to me. However my willpower has been defeated before by the whole "I don't need it but I want it" thing, so time will tell.
I actually held this pen today but wasn’t ready to buy it yet at full price. So instead I bought a Pelikan M205 (pearl marbled 2021) that Appelboom in Boston had. Though the 74 still eludes me, I did add my first Pelikan to my collection.
Nice! How is Appelboom in Boston?
@@InkquiringMinds It was a little smaller than I expected but they did a great job with what they have inside. And to see, in person, some of these pens that I’ve only seen online as I’m used to a small local pen shop was sweet. Mont Blancs, Pelikans, Momento Zeros, etc and of course the usual Kawecos and Pilots… whenever I’m in range again, I will definitely stop by.
I choose my pens by which ones you hate the grip on! I’m currently holding one of my 5 metropolitans, trying to feel the step down and I can’t 😂 must mean the custom 74 will be incoming, that blue is beautiful!! But there is a custom 823 in smoke already in my cart at Goulet!
I might be going around more Custom 74 videos, but all the suspicions and what I have in hand, two custom 74s, is only even more confirming, that Pilot made the Custom line to be flex for Japanese writing; when it upstrokes or side strokes, the tines are so tight it will cut flow entirely or something annoys the writer. I suspect that this will be the same for Custom 823s; Figboot/David had the problem, Pen Addict had the problem, SBREBrown had the problem, they tried to get it tuned or some other way. I find the 'Japanese flex' thing to stand out as it is for me as I use it to write Japanese, the bounce, really makes it fun to write like flex, but at so small scale only feasible for Asian character writing
Thanks for sharing, 汁shiru!
I have the same issue during up strokes and side strokes , sometimes it skips writing during these strokes ,what should I do ,I got my pen yesterday with medium nib
@@asadjaved6633 the tines never loosen/open up even after over 10ml of ink/10x of refills, I had to suck it up b/c there's no warranty. people who use Pilot Custom gold nibs who say that they are writing 'without pressure' are total liars, as Pilot official marketing even mention 'tuning that suits ballpoint users' 🤣. I have several vintage Pilot Elites(oldest from 1972, 18k medium nib), and they exhibit similar writing characteristic. Pilot Prera/Kakuno/Metro would better fit the buttersmooth, weightless writing better.
Hi Doug, very interesting. This shows us that more expensive isn't always the best. However, that blue is so pretty. Oh well, at least you got a beautiful new pen case. The Rickshaw looks amazing. Now you can cart your pens around in safety in their plush new pouch. ps, I bought a second-hand Opus 88 demo on Friday. It's making its way to me; I am going to love it even though it takes half an hour to uncap it :)
Thanks again for the video *smiles
Kudos on your Opus 88, Chels! The Jowo nibs on those pens are super bouncy and soft for steel.
@@InkquiringMinds Hi hopefully your Narwhal comes in soon because your experience with the Custom 74 wasn't as good. I am going to swap out my EF nib on the Opus 88 with a Goulet I have been hoarding :)
@@misswoodhouse5720 Cool! It will be at least a couple weeks on the Narwhal. In the meantime, my Laban Skeleton arrived today. Just in time for Hallowe'en! :)
@@InkquiringMinds Ooooohhhh, how exciting a Laban, can't wait for this one. They make some fine looking pens indeed.
I skipped the 74 and went straight to the 912 because of the size, glad I did. I had some minor baby's bottom issues with my 912 but it was easily resolved. The 912 fits my hand perfectly.
The nib has a bit less elasticity though, and the writing experience is slightly altered.
The writing experience is slightly different between 912 and 742, due to just the variance in barrel shape.
@@ikarugaxx3749 Yes, the barrel of the 912 is thicker which increases your writing angle. Since this comment I have gotten a 742 as well. The nibs look identically shaped and the sections are interchangeable. The 912 feels "made for me", that may change after using the 742 more? I write with the 912 unposted and 742 posted, I like the added thickness of a posted 742. Both are excellent pens.
@@vigilante1202 Note that nibs can be swapped between the 2 pens, so if we find out we enjoy a nib with one body in particular we can have it.
I only have a 742 till my 912 gets here, but a reviewer I trust said the former allows more expressive writing, the latter a more controlled one. Thank you.
Hello, i have a pelikan m200. I've noticed holding the pen farther from the nib section greatly improves my handwriting and and makes me less tired. Maybe that's what you need to do with pens that have short nibs. Of course it's better if you do so while the cap is posted.
I have a 74 in Merlot and had the same nib and ink issues. Once I put Tsuki-yo the issue resolved. I have really small hands so grip section works for me. I too, want an 823 but don’t want to drop that kind of money and not love it.
Perhaps the Pilot pens are perfectly tuned in their feeds for the Pilot Iroshizuku inks?
@@InkquiringMinds yes I’m beginning to think so. Even my well behaved Diamine inks had that nib hard starting constantly.
Surprised to know that this is your first ever Custom 74 and its review (and also the last one since you’re planning to part with it).. Thought every Fountain pen connoisseur would be owning this popular pen ‘by default’ 😃
It might stay in the house as my wife has taken a shine to it! :)
Just got this one for Christmas. Very excited it’s my first gold nib.
Good choice!
I have 2 custom 74's... An ef and a medium. Pilot feeds are designed to use with pilot inks ... If you read the instructions for the Custom 823 it says you're only supposed to fill it from the bottle of ink it comes with (pilot blue) and not even a different sized pilot ink bottle🙄
The feeds on these pens are fairly fine, you can even use the notoriously dry Kyoto Tag inks with them.... But KWZ is the "Noodler's" of it's country.
Some of them are fine, most of them are like syrup and super saturated which is fine... But I dedicate cheaper pens to my KWZ inks for that reason...
I used walks over Vistula in my momento zero and I had to soak the mib unit in a vial of pen flush for two weeks to get it almost clean.
You're milage may very but my first pilot was the ef 74 and it's the reason I have 6 pilot pens now and the cats eat better than I do.
Sorry for the long rant... Another great video!
I'm surprised Pilot doesn't void the warranty for using an ink other than Pilot or a colour other than blue. LOL
The 74 was my first gold nib and I so wanted to like it, but it didn't feel right in the hand. I sold it after a couple of weeks. I now have the wonderful Elite, two VP's, a Custom 92, a Prera, a Falcon and just this week I took the financial leap and bought an 823. I love all my Pilots, but the 823 is, together with the Elite and 92, in my top 5 pens list. Hopefully you'll have an 823 soon. I have the amber, and it is a lovely colour. Excellent video as ever
Thanks, Allan. It is comforting to know that others have had similar experiences. It is always tough to say negative things about something that SO many people love and adore. I am definitely on the hunt for an 823 if not an 845.
I had then same experience with this pen and felt the same way. Had high expectations but could not write with it like you. You said the same things I said to myself about the pen. I thought it was just me or a bad nib. Your experience was mine. I feel better now that you confirmed my experience. It is an awesome pen but not for my handwriting style.
Thank you, Steve!
I was watching thinking Doug shoulda bought an 823. Then I heard you jonesing for one. Did you ever watch Matt Armstrong’s review of the Custom 823? He loved the nib and so do I. I frankenfit my Custom 823 Pilot nib to an amber Moonman M800 and I have a Leonardo killer!
I'll go back and watch Matt's 823 review when my wallet fills up again! LOL! Did you just swap the 823 nib to the existing Moonman M800 nib and feed? Which Moonman M800 was it? The one with the Moonman nib or the Bock? They are different collars and feeds.
@@InkquiringMinds i think it was the Bock but am not sure. Will send a photo. Yes just pulled out the nib and feed and replaced with the Pilot nib. One thing about the 823 is that for me the section is a little short. I love the imitation Leonardo section on the Moonman so this way I get the sweet Pilot writing experience in a very comfortable pen. (Also the vac filler of the 823 broke probably because I took it apart one time too many;)
@@InkquiringMinds FWIW, custom 823 come up regularly second hand for $200, which is absolutely a bargain. I bough mine new for $230 on FP day when every store has 20% off.
@@andreamarcon8930 I get 10% and 15% regularly at Cult Pens and Appelboom but they don't carry those Pilot models.
How true it is that it’s all so subjective. I get writer’s cramp very easily- my mind thinks ahead 3x faster than I can write so when my hand instinctively tries to keep up, my hand starts to reflexively lock its grip to the point of cramping . So hand feel and grip has always been important to me . I’m glad to see this review, it’s also fascinating because like you I love my E95S and have been using it as my EDC pocket pen since getting it for my birthday last month (went through a full converter of ink very quickly, although that’s not surprising with a KON 40, LOL!).
Side note, since you mentioned the Safari, I just ordered my first one (the LTD edition one for Susan G Komen) and got a 1.9mm stub replacement nib. I don’t know if it’s the feed, the size of the nib, or the Pilot cartridge that came with it, but that damn thing has the wetness and flow of a paintbrush that’s been in the sun all day. I really want to like it to play with some shading and sheening inks with some calligraphy, but damn it’s got a weak ink flow!
Hey Ryan! Thanks so much. Have you tried refilling a Pilot cartridge with a syringe in your e95s? That's what I do. I keep it inked with Kon-Peki and with the cartridge, it not only takes way more ink than the CON40, you can actually see the ink levels unlike the Con40!
@@InkquiringMinds that’s my next step; I didn’t have an empty Pilot cartridge, and really wanted to use up some pretty Levenger ink I had before “wasting”…I mean using up…. The black ink cartridge that came with it so I’d have an empty. I think I’m going to scour the web for a few empties to buy so I have spares.
Thank you for the video and your review, i am so sad that you didn't like that nice FP who I'm enjoying writing with it ,
No worries!
Thanks Doug. Always appreciate your honesty in your reviews. So I think I had a visual hallucination- I thought you were doing the Narwhal Nautilus? Is that in the future?
It’s on the way. You probably saw it via Doug’s community posts.
Indeed! Kari has order one for me through Reid's Stationers.
Coming soon!
I have a custom heritage 912 with a soft fine nib and I love it. I use it as my EDC pen. It has a sweet little bounce when writing and it performs well on crappy paper. I switch it with my lamy 2000. Both have been so awesome
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the review. I like thicker grip sections for extended writing sessions. Although beautiful & well made I'll pass on this pen. Oh well!
I agree. That's why I like my Leonardos so much.
The last pilotI I purchased (and probably last pilot period) I selected a custom 93 piston filler to avoid all pilot converters. It is a slightly smaller pen but has the same nib as the 74 and can be found at a lower price. I was slightly disappointed that you cannot remove the section for cleaning.
Thank you, Edison!
Majority of pens with filling systems do not have removable sections. That's why I stick to my C/C pens.
Thank you Doug for another amazing review. I'm sorry your experience with the pen hasn't been pleasant. I fully understand you when you talk about nibs sizes and grip sections; you see I've small hands and thus it's supposed to prefer small pens and small nibs, yet I rather prefer the contrary, big grip sections and long nibs allow me lower grip angles, a long distance between the point of the nib and my wrist that help me to have a less tiring writing session. Again... thank you and have a nice week.
That's an excellent explanation Guderina! Thanks. The distance between my grip and the end of the nib/angle to the page is very important for my writing and probably one of the main reasons this pen doesn't work for me.
@@InkquiringMinds That's why I'm not a fan of the Pilot Metropolitan either.
Thank you very much for your informative video as usual. I think you are right. 74 years after the foundation of the company when Pilot introduced 74/742/743 to the market the idea of "Custom" meant what you have exactly experienced. There is no pen for everybody, but Pilot can offer a pen for everybody. That is the idea of 74/742/743 (with those variations of nibs). In my opinion though, the huge jump is in between the 30,000 Japanese Yen 743/823 and the 50,000 Japanese Yen 845. I would like to suggest you may want to choose to consider getting 845, skipping 823. Now if you really want to have 823, I would like to inform you not to try to disassemble the pen. Never. Trying to disassemble 823 is worth thousands of deaths. Also before you ink it up for the first time, you may want to take your time and think thoroughly. In Japan, some people use just only one ink rest of his/her life with 823. For the exactly the same price, you can buy 743 which is significantly easier for you to clean. While we all love piston fillers, one can argue that in the history of FPs, cartridge / converter system is the most advanced ink filling mechanism. One can also argue that the Con-70 is the best converter in the world, eh, once you know the "rhythm", that is you have to be able to fulfil the Con-70 within 5 pushes, you have to give a chance for ink to be inside of the converter... Having said that though, many people complain 743 looks and feels cheap for the price... They prefer the weight balance of 823 better.
P. S. Pilot officially states that they cannot fix VINTAGE vac filler produced in 1960s etc. since they ran out of spare parts. That shows vac fillers are not really the best technology. Pilot can fix those vintage pens with rubber sucs... Yeah, yeah, yeah, who cares 50 years or whatever from now, but theoretically your grand grand children may be able to use Custom 845 but not necessarily 823.
Thank you, Dokugo, for the great information and tips. If and when I do an 823 review, I'll add a segment called "Dokugo's Guide for Disassembling the 823: DON'T". :)
@@InkquiringMinds Another tip.... While some people say PHYSICALLY, Con-70 fits into Pilot X, that does not mean it works as designed. Without the infamous Tip Fill Feed of Pilot, Con-70 cannot work as designed. You push the button rather quickly, then you let go the button, wait seconds to give a chance for the ink to be sucked up. If you cannot full fill Con-70 within 4 or maximum 5 pushes, the way you use the converter is wrong. But that can be said only when your FP comes with the infamous Tip Fill Feed of Pilot. The infamous Pilot's Tip Fill Feed is designed for CON-70, I mean the one you see the hole on the feed and you do not need to dip the whole nib into the ink to fill... (The breathing hole must be submerged into the ink, but not the entire nib). That feed of Pilot is one of the best, if not the best in the world. That feed allows CON-70 to suck up the ink at the ultra fast speed.
It works fine with my Explorer.
I'm a Pilot Fanboy! The Pilot pen I have I was a little disappointed in was my Pilot MYU 701. Short version is the steel integrated nib/grip is slick and I find myself trying to "pinch" it way too hard to hold onto it, and it's just not comfortable.
That translucent blue you got (and that Brian has) isn't my favorite color, but that new Blue Stone release is whispering to me. Now if it would just whisper to my bank and tell them to put money into my account!
As long as I have my Pilot e95s I will never say bad things about Pilot as a pen making company. It is exquisite! I must say I love the look of the MYU701. It is disappointing to hear it isn't comfortable in your hand, much like my Custom 74.
I would really like to see a review by your good self of the Pilot 823. There must be a reason that there are so many copies out there!
It has been on my short list for a long time. But they aren't cheap.
I understand about the small nature of the 74. I have one but have found the Pilot Custom 845 and 912 pens to be better models for those who like bigger grip sections and nibs. My 74 came from Japan and it has a solid green color rather than the see through versions available elsewhere. Good luck on selling the 74 to finance the 823.
Interesting! I know there are different options in the Japanese market. That's why I'm hoping there might be a transparent blue 823 somewhere in Japan that has my name on it. My wife has taken a shine to the Custom 74, so I might have to save longer for the 823.
@@InkquiringMinds , there might be more 823 colors in Japan but they are well hidden for now. I might be unique as I have pens in different sizes and different nibs in my collection and can use them all with no noticeable difficulties. I do like the larger pens better. Be patient for the 823 and it might find you!
I have an 823, two as a matter of fact… ((both in “yucky” Smoke “Grey”)…. And I love them both. I went straight to the 823… it is perfect… weight, size, proportion, and that X factor that makes subjectivity more objective… for those of us that know what that X factor is… or that such pens so possessed of it exudes upon first “write” (and, uh, sight too). 823… the way to go….
I have heard that the transparent blue is available on an 823 but only in Japan. I've been trying to find one with no luck.
@@InkquiringMinds please, please... should you make that discovery, share... share, share... because, like you and Brian G., I have wanted that blue but always thought the 74 was a bit on the small size (although, I do own two Pilot Lucina's which I love... and they are definitely small but are excellent writers)... so, again, should you unearth this elusive "blue 823"... sound the klaxons!!!
@@InkquiringMinds I have never heard of a blue version and I have done a ton of research on the 823.
@@thm655321 Yeah. That’s disappointing.
@@thm655321 I guess they don't feel there is a market for it.
again, thank you for your candor and experience
Thank you, Dennis!
Have you tried the Pilot Justus 95?
I use it daily and love it.
I have not!
enjoy your new pen, Wynn!
She says "Thanks!" :)
Thank you, Mr.Doug.
I have been trying to decide weather or not to get the bright blue or the blue stone but thanks to this review, i think it only makes sense to get the light blue seeing as to how the light blue one has a very nice shimmer in well lit enviorments as well as dimly lit areas. its very butifll and because my favorite color is blue, The decision had innitially been difficult becasues there were two very nices shades of blue as well as an equaly desirable transperant demonstrator. alll very nice pens but i think i will get the light blue one in the medium nib as well within the next week.
I am not enirly sure but i hvae also hear the the goulet pen company's shipping is around 1-2 buisness days.
Thanks again for the review.
Congrats! Goulet does a great job!
You can get a moonman A1 and use their converter in the E95S😂. They are quite good in my experience.
Indeed! czcams.com/video/kvd0t8vZzLE/video.html
Nice review! I have a few 74 and custom heritage 92. Generally 92 got a better nib without baby bottom.
Right on! Thanks for sharing, foreverqihe!
I had the same issue with my pilot cacoon. Would not write with any ink other than pilot's. Not even Waterman serenity blue.
Interesting!
The CON-70 has been redesigned and now requires a slower, smoother pressing motion, not the original "bam" motion. It is easier to fill. Brian Goulet also did a video on the newer CON-70. You can tell old from new because there are some grooves in the black button on the newer one. It seems odd since this was a new purchase, but it looks like you got an older converter...perhaps that's because you got an older color pen that was still in inventory. A newer color like Bluestone or Forest Green probably comes with the new CON -70 converter. I know this wasn't your main gripe with the pen, but your information is old. I have several CON-70s and they can be filled and cleaned with a syringe as well. My Pilot 823 is one of my best pens and I do think you will like it. (And by the way, fat jokes are not necessary to make your point.)
I linked both of Brian's videos on the Con70 new and old in my video description. It isn't odd that I have one of the old ones on a new purchase. In Brian's video on the new Con70, he mentions it will take several months if not years to get through to the new stock.
professor, although i have watched this video before but somehow i missed the word ''rickshaw''. however, you`d be amazed to know that in bangladesh and in some asian countries they have these three wheeler rides called rickshaw. i live in bangladesh, and rickshaw is our primary choice to travel to a short or a medium distance. especially on a rainy day, couples married/ unmarried both prefer rickshaw to take a ride and unravel the mysteries of their universe. please look it up!
regards.
Thank you so much, Abid Z.! Yes, I'm fully aware of what a rickshaw is, thank you. The rickshaw mentioned in my video is the brandname of "Rickshaw Bagworks". They make pen sleeves as well as other bags for laptops, pouches, wallets, bike bags, backpacks, messenger bags and totes. www.rickshawbags.com/
Are you just a blue ink kinda guy? Like Is that the only color ink you tend to go with or were you just keeping with blue inks to match that beautiful blue pen that you acquired. Oh and thank you for your review on the Monza 3. I almost bought two, one for my wife and I each but after watching your review of it we changed our minds and decided to go with the diplomat magnum
I was just doing matchy, matchy with this blue pen.
Sir, your way of presentation is really awesome.
I just couldn't hold my laugh when you added a short clip to represent Con 40 converter.. hahahahaha....
Your short clip videos really matches with the current presentation of the video..
Hope to always learn from you sir.
Keep yourself healthy, happy and safe.
Warm regards,
With love and care,
Vivek Kumar
( Dehri On Sone, Bihar , India )
( Dehri On Sone is a small town in Bihar state of India. )
Thank you so much!
Superb. You must have been a great teacher.
Thank you so much, Chaz!
I agree with you in that it’s very light and slim. However maybe bc of its nib (SF) and its price it’s my most used pen. I rarely have it uninked… bring it to work without hesitation either. I do wish all the colours would come with all the nib sizes.
Variety is not a Pilot strong suit when it comes to either the 74 or the 823.
@20:45 hmm, this was very interesting to me…… I have a Japan import clear Pilot Custom 823 ‘WA’ nib. I got some KWZ Hawaii Blue and absolutely loved it, however I did get some skipping and I just put it down to the nib and paper. Whilst it was better on tomoe river, it was still there. I then used Kon Peki and now I’m using Pilot Blue and it is fine. No issues at all. So maybe my issue was also down to the KWZ and the pen/feed/nib just not liking it. Very weird. 🤔 Anyway, thanks for another great video 🙂👍🏻 I’m not surprised you don’t like it if you can’t use your favourite ink with it too. I don’t like skinny pens either. I find the thin metal grip section of the TWSBI 580 AL so annoying I want to throw it out the window.
I hate saying negative things about TWSBI because I get scared fans will hunt me down. :)
I bet(& hope) the 823 will be the pen that makes you happy! Looking forward to seeing you try it out!
BTW, there's also the Custom Heritage 92 -- which is available in one of these b'ful translucent blues!
Thanks for the info! Yes, the Custom Heritage is the flat finial version of the Custom 74. Same nib, section and barrel.
Love this review. I have several Metro’s F, M, 1.0 used as utilitarian work pens on copy paper. Interesting that I bought two, received two free (two retailers sent replacements for incorrect items and told me to keep the incorrect pen), and I was gifted one. They are not favorites and when I am writing longer sessions I always reach for other pens. (My Kaweco Sport is similar in use to the Metro’s, always in my shirt pocket for quick notes, but no other uses). I am staying away from the 823 because I personally do not like the vac filler system.
And to prove my strange creds, I prefer low capacity converters because I really like to change ink frequently. Seems I will never be able to refill my TWSBI-Eco, it never runs out of ink.
Keep up the reviews and best wishes.
Thank you Rgc571. That is much appreciated!
Silicone might be the issue of ink flow or reaction to solvent in it.
Review well done but honestly I won't be a repeated viewer. Not any fault on your part. It's just that it looks like your grip is completely different for mine. I actually like the grip of the metropolitan, the custom 74 and the lamy safari. They are comfortable in my hand and I don't like larger pen.
Doug I too am not so much of a fan of the con70 Id almost rather have the con 40 just in case i put an ink in the pen that doesnt want to come out which is sometimes my case and i can just twist the converter instead of making a mess all over the place or using a syringe to fill the con 70 or con 40 :)
Once it is greased a bit the Con70 is easier to handle. Cleaning, not so much.
@@InkquiringMinds thanks I'll give it a go
Oh, the 823. I like everything about this pen - size, piston filler, looks, proportions... Except, like 74 for you it just does not work for me. I experience the same deterioration in quality of my handwriting (not that it was good to begin with...). And then of course it comes back into norm immediately with a Leonardo or a Pelikan... So this whole review is very, VERY relatable. And as much as I sincerely hope the 823 works for you Doug, you may be up to another bumpy ride. In any case thanks for the review, I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Interesting. I've been debating my next move. Perhaps I should avoid the pursuit of an 823 for now and look towards the Leonardo Magico.
@@InkquiringMinds Why not MZG? I am hovering over Dark Hawaii...
I don’t need no stinkin’ bahges from a crazy reviewer who doesn’t fall in love with a Custom 74. (Actually, that would be cool.) I understand the grip thing; I’ve come to prefer pens with girthier sections, and the 74 is a slim pen. However, I’d like to point out that your daily carry is a very thin WingSung Flighter. As to your penmanship, the Custom 823 is a little smoother still than the 74, so your handwriting may not look any better with it. Sorry to bust your bubble, but I think you’ve become accustomed to steel italic and architect nibs.
This is all very true Oscar. But, I point out, that the Wing Sung 601 Flighter, like the Pilot e95s I love so much, are both LONG tapering sections that have no bumps or threads. And I can grip the pen very high and spread out so there is a long distance between the nib touching the page and my grip. Which I find very comfortable. I think it is fascinating what works and what doesn't work. And I think you are correct about my love of architect and mini-fude nibs (my WS601 Flighter has a mini-fude bent nib).
@@InkquiringMinds, I wholeheartedly agree that grip and comfort are perhaps as important as any other aspect of the pen. I, too, prefer to hold my pens a little away from the nib, and I also prefer stub, italic, and architect nibs. But that 823… oh my god!
Bought my first Custom 74 this weekend and love it. Have you decided to sell yours? Did you already?
Not yet! My wife is trying it out first. Might be a keeper.
@@InkquiringMinds well good! Maybe she will love it!
Cap diameter: 0 - 14.7; Barrel: 12-0. Section: 10.2-9.8-11.
Those are 3 puzzles to me, the variation between 0 and a >0 value, and 3 values for the section...
Top to bottom.
@@InkquiringMinds Couldn't have been more explanatory, thanks a world.
Love the quote! H.L. Menken is one of my all-time favorite curmudgeons! Well done! Sorry about your experience with the 74, though. You can't win them all!
Thanks so much! It is not all bad. Winn has a nice new gold nibbed pen! :)
I got a used maroon medium one. It is great, i love it. I am with you on the Metropolitan I HATE IT!!!!
Hate is such a strong word I reserve it for Monteverde and FPR. LOL
I would love o join your paying subscriber club, but I don’t see the selection on your channel. Any advice?
Try this Toby: czcams.com/channels/bT6bph6TcR-6ByiXzU3RYg.htmljoin
Wondering if you have ever discussed "nib creep" in a video. Or do you just change out the ink. It seems that certain inks have more "nib creep" Is this normal and just something that fountain pen enthusiasts just accept or even enjoy. Would love your thoughts
I have not discussed it in a video. I've only experienced it with very saturated inks like Noodlers North American Violet and Diamine Ancient Copper. Some nibs have a tendency to shed ink to the top of the nib and some don't. It isn't something I've been able to pin down.
Interesting review. Thank you 👍
My pleasure!
I have also ordered custom 823 waiting for your review of it
It might have to wait a while as I save up for it!
Cool honest review
Thank you, Santa!
Review request: Would you make a video of Pelikan M200/M205 vs the Custom 74? (Side by side, gold vs steel)
Unfortunately, I don't own either of the Pelikan M200/M205 pens I reviewed. However, the Custom 74 is a very different pen. The Pelikans are piston fillers and a lot smaller than the Custom 74. Not to mention the steel vs gold nibs.
Really appreciate your content (and, as a fellow musician, the guitar intros.) What is that lovely ink that you use for your Inkquiring Minds title page please ? There's something special about it.
J Herbin Kyanite du Nepal. It has a silver shimmer.
Doug , 2 things! I have several Pilots, Metro, 74, Falcon metal, and 823, and totally 100% agree with you on writing experience on Metro and 74, but neither like you wow me or are my picks to use. The 823 and metal Falcon are about perfect tho really like using both, and damm you I am ordering am E-95 or Elite whatever now I have heard you say you like it way too many times now.
Also on mobile version on iphone I am still not seeing a subscription button/icon/link, do I need to be logged into desktop version? Or I have an ad blocker if others are seeing it on iPhone then that msg be it, do you know?
Thanks, Jim. The e95s/Elite is a very light/slim pen. But the smooth, tapering grip allows you to hold it anywhere and the inlaid gold nib is to die for! Here is a link to the Join Channel I hope will work for you: czcams.com/channels/bT6bph6TcR-6ByiXzU3RYg.htmljoin
Eye candy 🍬
This is a test comment to see if it shows up. I just wrote a very long comment about my two 823s but it does not show.
This is my third time writing this. I presume my internet links that I included cause the comment not to register so I will exclude those. Doug I suggest for the 823 you go for the "God" version. Online order an 823 with the No. 15 FA Falcon nib from Tokyo Pen Quill Shop. This is the only way to get the 823 with a FA nib installed. Then order a 743 ebonite feed (either two or three slot, red or black) from Flexible Nib Factory so that the feed can supply enough ink to the nib (plastic feed that comes with it doesn't really cut it). Enjoy pen nirvana. Azizah of Gourmet Pens has a YT video on the 823 with FA nib but with the plastic feed, she ordered the FNF feed afterwards.
Sorry about the comments not showing. These have! I'd be happy with a down-to-earth Pilot 823 I think! The God version sounds out of my price range. Azizah and Stephen get a lot of pens for free that people like me can't afford.
@@InkquiringMindsI kind of wish that I got the FA nib for my 823, I got a 912 FA afterwards for drawing and it is actually great for everyday writing too. It is kind of between an F and M when no flex is applied. It isn't too soft either and I haven't had any issues with the stock feed. It is very different to the falcon nib.
@@InkquiringMinds I hear you. BUT as one who paid the full price for this pen I suggest not buying an additional bunch of Chinese pens and put that money towards the "God" 823, you won't regret it. I can pick it up and edit a document with it without applying any pressure and it is amazing as a fine pen. Write a letter to someone and apply pressure here and there and it is an amazing flex writer. I never knew my handwriting could look so good. Sure it's a crapshoot as to whether it will work for you, but that is life in a nutshell. YMMV.
@@thm655321 Interesting. But I do two videos a week and the pens have to keep coming. LOL I'll keep your advice in mind though for my own personal pen journey.
The Aerometric Pilot Converter has been in each of my dozen Pilot Metros. Actually, of Pilot products, those pens and converters are my favorite. I have been underwhelmed by custom 74, 912, VP, 823...basically anything beyond base models. Not a huge fan.
Same for me
Colored demonstrator pens are my weakness, i love the clear blue and I have a noodlers Creeper in hudson bay blue plus a cheap no name pen I brought from aliexpress (plus other in different colors, like my Ahab in King Philip purple) when I was just getting into the hobby a few years ago. Though the price hits my budget conscious mind, I hope to take the plunge one day and spend more than $30 cad on a pen.
Funny story, I brought a pilot converter for my *platinum* curidas pen. I had recieved the converter already when I noticed the difference, I gave in and brought a pilot kakuno, great pen, but small for my hand.
I need to ask, do you have regular sized hands, I cannot look at reviews and expect it'll look just like that if I get it. My ring size is a whopping 11. You bet I don't visit the jewellery section of the store.
Update, I put a dang ruler next to my hand, and this pen is small for me. I need at least five inches (that's what she said) unposted for a pen to feel kinda comfortable writing. /sigh the search continues.
You should look into the various models of Penbbs. There are lots of clear, coloured demonstrators along with some amazing semi-transparent acrylics. Perhaps you've heard of the joke where a woman told a man that she couldn't date a guy unless he had 8". To which he replied, "Okay. I've been to the doctor and he says I can have 2" removed". :)
@@InkquiringMinds pft good one
I have checked penbbs!! I even have a few in my cart I'm just slowly saving up and building up my courage to get one or two or maybe more!!!
Looks like you got a fair amount of silicone in the converter when lubricating the plunger, does that affect the ink in any significant way? I would have assumed it would but I have not experimented myself (you might say I'm extraordinarily careful with my silicone grease around pens because I'm told it's a Very Bad Thing to get anywhere near the nib, but I do not know why exactly, that could be some vintage pen thing).
The silcone isn't anywhere near the nib or feed. I've put silicone grease into many converters, vacuum fillers and piston fillers with no issues. Silcone grease on a feed is a completely different thing and should be avoided.
@@InkquiringMinds Thank you for the reply. I won't worry so much now, I was previously so nervous about it I would rarely use it unless I could be 1000% sure it wouldn't get into the ink.
Would you say this is a smooth nib?
Yes. In fact, I wrote the word smooth in the writing sample.
Pilot custom 823 coming any time soon?
I may have spent my "expensive" fountain pen budget for 2023.
Did you get one of the blue 823s now Doug?
I never saw them available!
@@InkquiringMinds i think they where for like 15 minutes last week
I am relatively new to fp. Is 0.5mm not a western medium?
I use Richard Binder's chart on nib widths to categorize the pens I review. Here it is: www.richardspens.com/pdf/strokewidths.pdf
Bummer. I like the look of the Custom 74.
It is an excellent pen. Just not one for my grip.
Hay Doug I wanted to ask, do you know of any completely waterproof inks that are safe for foundation pens ?
I've never used it but I've heard a lot of people swear by Platinum Carbon Black.
@@InkquiringMinds ah thanks ill try it out
Will a Con 70 work on a Vanishing Pont?????
Not even close!
@@InkquiringMinds Thanks, this is my only issue with Pilot / Namiki brands. Most brands use one type of converter across all models. And some use standard types interchangeable with other brands and models. By the way, didn't think it would but was hoping maybe it would.
You are right about 823, it is the best pen. I have three, the ugly brown and smoke you mentioned and I ordered the clear demonstrator model from Japan. Check eBay…Fantastic.
I have automatic searches for 823s on my eBay. One day perhaps.
I mean if you still have it and would want to unload it for a fair price? Or donate so my wife doesnt kill me.... Ive wanted to try one.
I've given it to my wife and she loves it!
@@InkquiringMinds I figured I was about a year late or so but couldnt hurt to ask! Im glad someone received it that is enjoying it.
Sorry that we picked such a loser. The brown 823 might not be so bad. I ordered a brown Wing Sung 699 from Canadian Amazon because it was shipped from the US. It was about the same price as ordering from China and it got to Ontario in a week.
I really don't like brown. After all, it is the colour of... well you know. I like it on this pen. It's a classy look with the gold. Order from somewhere where you can easily return or exchange. Send it back if you hate it. That's what I was thinking when I ordered the Wing Sung. If you took a vote, I bet everyone would agree.
It is not really a loser, Kattz! It is a great pen. It will be great in another hand ... currently, my wifes!
😇🩷🙏🙌
Thank you so much, @sushanart!
This looks like an expensive plastic spaghetti.
I get the plastic, but spaghetti?
@@InkquiringMinds because it's very narrow.
@@nikolabezla8302 Ah! I get ya! :)
The 823 seems so overpriced to me, and I am always skittish about piston and vacuum fillers--temperamental and hard to clean.
True!